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VW 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo Near Road America
Elkhart Lake WI May 20: VW rolled out its uber Tiguan at this year’s Midwest Automotive Media Association’s Spring Rally at Road America. William Gock, VW’s PR guru, let me take the inspired Turbo, Turbo Tiggy for a fling on an undulating scenic route wending its way through the kettle moraine surrounding what’s billed as America’s National Park of Speed: Road America.
VW stuffed a higher output engine under the hood and graced the interior with fine materials such as the dashboard’s walnut veneer. Whereas the run-of-the-mill not-capital-T turboTiguan has 201 ponies, the stouter Turbo cranks out 268 horsepower. Now, the Tiguan is one of the quickest compact crossover chariots. Passing speeds are much improved over the standard 201-hp Tiguan.
The go-for-the-gusto mill, mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A rotary dial lets you twirl your way through interior LED ambience choices and drive modes such as Sport. VW claims EPA estimates of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. This Tiguan has VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive. Your right foot will notice the Turbo’s prompt response and your ears will hear an agreeable bark. Wind and road noise are hushed too.
The Turbo isn’t a Golf R in disguise. While its chassis dynamics are playful, its 20-inch tires have modest grip. The tilted upward tiller’s response is light but accurate. A bit more heft, and less rake would be nice. Ride quality is firm.
VW asks about $45,500 for the Turbo. Those dollars net a pleasing interior with quilted leather seating, stitched leatherette trim, warm walnut accent and front-seat massage. You get the fine-car vibe at what’s become a mainstream price. VW, however, persists with its tricky touchscreen, now illuminated touch-sensor controls. Say, “hello Volkswagen” and the voice assistant will tell you one of several Dad jokes.
All said, the zesty turbo, Turbo Tiggy is a terrific compact family grocery getter. This luxurious, powerful SUV tempts you to escape to Wisconsin’s paths through the wilderness enjoying the twisty bits while planted in the Tiguan’s thrones.
2027 ID. Buzz Gets Weekend Camper Gear
Mr. Gock says the retro-vibe ID. Buzz van returns to VW’s 2027 American lineup. Probably the most significant upgrade is the Tourer model. It’s equipped for overnight camping at Road America’s trackside grounds. It has a fold-out mattress and platform, window blinds, front window ventilation panels and exterior table with chairs.
Gock says VW ditched the former ID’s haptic steering wheel switchgear for conventional pushbuttons. On the exterior, it tweaked the two-tone color schemes. First, VW discontinued the single-hue Buzz. “Buyers,” Gock says, “prefer two-tone VW vans.” Second, VW added Candy White over Cherry Red while deleting both the white over orange and silver over red combos.
VW claims the Buzz has an updated infotainment system with its Android-based ID.S 6 software. The travel assist now includes lane changes with “on hold” wait-for-clear function. You get an NACS (Tesla) charging adapter. The Buzz comes in either Pro S or Pro S Plus trims, with the former in either rear-drive or 4Motion. Tourer vans are based on the Pro S 4Motion.
VW hasn’t announced pricing.